Dispensing pouch

ABSTRACT

An improved dispensing pouch is provided having a flexible and collapsible container consisting of a pair of tapered side walls ( 14 ). A nozzle ( 12 ) is disposed at the lower end of the flexible container and heat sealed thereto. A removable end cap ( 26 ) is preferably snap-fit on to the nozzle and held in place by a retainer ring ( 30 ) or a nozzle with integral scaling threads ( 20 ). The side walls of the icing container are preferably heat sealed about the perimeter and on to the nozzle to effect a leak-proof container for the contents contained within.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Serial No. 60/209,685, filed Jun. 6, 2000.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The invention relates generally to dispensing devices, and moreparticularly, to pouches containing a confectionery for use in theapplication of decorative confectionery for cakes and cookies, forexample.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Typically, flexible and collapsible dispensing bags of the typeutilized for decorating cakes and cookies employ a dispensing bag havinga relatively large filling opening at one end through which a flowableconfection such as cake icing may be introduced. Typical dispensing bagsinclude a relatively small dispensing opening at their other ends. Mostprior art containers are substantially tapered from the filling to thedischarge end with the lateral confines of the container beingconstituted of a flexible sheet material which may be formed of aplastic material, or a fabric impregnated with a synthetic resin.

[0004] The application of a confectionery to the top of and sides of aniced cake or other pastry is well known in the art. Typically, theconfectionery is sufficiently viscous as to maintain its shape and isresistant to excessive flow or slumping after being dispensed from anassociated bag. Some types of icing may tend to surface hardened byreason of water evaporation after being dispensed from the bag and,accordingly, it is desirable that pastry bags be substantiallyleak-proof to prevent hardening of its contents prior to application orleaking during application. Typically, white icings are shipped toretailers who, in turn, color the icing by adding food dye in a varietyof different colors. Ordinarily, separate pastry bags are used for eachcolor of icing.

[0005] It should be appreciated, such prior art dispensing systemsrequire a baker or decorator to devote a considerable amount of time tomix appropriately colored icing, to fill and clean reusable pastry bags,and clean nozzle tips and other pastry bag accessories. In addition, thesteps that need to be taken to dye, fill, and dispense icing from thenumber of different reusable icing bags results in additionalundesirable side effects. For example, the steps of mixing, coloring,icing, and filling bags almost always results in some of the cakedecorating material to be deposited at undesirable locations, such asthe exterior of the bag, on the work table, and on the user's hands andgarments.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] It is a primary object of the present invention to provide aconfectionery dispensing pouch that overcomes some of the aforementionedproblems encountered by prior art devices.

[0007] Another object of the invention is to produce a pouch fordispensing confectionery which allows for improved control of the icingflow to increase artistic capability and sophistication. Still anotherobject of the invention is to produce a confectionery dispensing pouchwhich provides the same advantages to the home user as the commercialbaker.

[0008] Additional objects, advantages in other novel features of theinvention will be set forth in the description that follows and willbecome apparent to those skilled in the art upon examination of thefollowing detailed description of a preferred embodiment of theinvention.

[0009] To achieve the foregoing and other objects, and in accordancewith one aspect of the present invention, an improved prefilledconfectionery dispensing pouch is provided.

[0010] The advantages and objectives of the invention may typically beachieved by a confectionery dispensing pouch which includes a flexibleand collapsible container or pastry bag. Preferably, the container bagis formed of one or two sheets of tapered, flexible plastic materialsealed together about the periphery to effect a leak-proof seal-of thecontents contained therein. A nozzle is provided that is disposedbetween the narrower portions of the side walls of the dispensing bagand is preferably sealed to complete the leak-proof seal about theperiphery of the flexible dispensing pouch. The nozzle preferablyincludes a number of external threads adapted to receive a retainingring or decorating tip fitted with corresponding internal threads. Aremovable end cap is provided that is held in place by the retainingring.

[0011] Still other objects of the present invention will become apparentto those skilled in this art from the following description and drawingswherein there is described and shown a preferred embodiment of thisinvention in the best mode contemplated for carrying out the invention.As will be realized, the invention is capable of other differentembodiments and its several details are capable of modification invarious, obvious aspects all without departing from the invention.Accordingly, the drawings and descriptions will be regarded asillustrative in nature and not as restrictive.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] The above objects and advantages of the invention will becomemanifest to those skilled in the art from reading the following detaileddescription of a preferred embodiments of the invention when consideredin the light of the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0013]FIG. 1 is a plan view of the dispensing pouch of an embodiment ofthe present invention;

[0014]FIG. 2 is a plan view of the dispensing pouch illustrated in FIG.1 with a dispensing nozzle heat sealed in the outlet of the dispensingpouch;

[0015]FIG. 3 is an enlarged sectional view of the nozzle illustrated inFIG. 2 prior to the removal of the protective cover;

[0016]FIG. 4 is an enlarged sectional view of the nozzle illustrated inFIGS. 2 and 3 with a decorative dispensing tip;

[0017]FIG. 5 is an enlarged sectional view of the nozzle illustrated inFIGS. 2, 3, and 4, showing the decorative dispensing tip removed and theprotective cap in a resealed position;

[0018]FIG. 6 is an enlarged sectional view of a protective sealing caparrangement;

[0019]FIG. 7 is a plan view with portions partially cut-away of analternative dispensing pouch; and

[0020]FIG. 8 is a left hand side view of the dispensing pouchillustrated in FIG. 7.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0021] Reference will now be made in detail to the present preferredembodiment of the preferred embodiment of the invention, an example ofwhich is illustrated in accompanying drawings, wherein like numeralsindicate the same elements throughout the views. Referring now to thedrawings, FIG. 1 shows the dispensing pouch of the present inventiongenerally designated by the numeral 10. The dispensing pouch iscomprised of first and second side walls 11. Each of the side walls 11includes a top end and a relatively narrow bottom end. The side walls 11are joined together along the marginal edges at 14, preferably by heatsealing or other suitable means such as by the application of a suitableadhesive, by stitching or sewing or the like to form a flexible andcollapsible container for flowable confectionery, for example. Theflexible container is tapered and is of a generally triangular shapewith an outlet opening 12. Preferably, the flexible and collapsibleicing container is comprised of a flexible sheet material which may beformed of a synthetic resin or plastic material. Other suitablematerials include processed or treated fabric, such as fabricimpregnated with a synthetic resin. Any materials that possess thesufficient flexibility and strength and are impervious to the contentsto be dispensed would be appropriate for the side walls 11 of thedispensing pouch 10 of the invention.

[0022] It will be noted that the peripheral marginal edges 14 of thejuxtaposed panels 11 are preferably heat sealed along the two parallelspaced apart edge portions and the top, leaving the outlet portion 12open.

[0023] As clearly illustrated in FIG. 2, the dispensing pouch 10 of thepresent invention further includes a nozzle assembly 16. The nozzle 16includes an upper end that is disposed between and joined together withnarrow bottom ends of the side walls 11 adjacent the outlet 12.Preferably, the bottom ends of the side walls 11 are heat sealed (orsealed in another appropriate fashion) to the nozzle 16, therebyeffecting a leak-proof seal about the periphery of the outlet 12. Insuch a manner, material stored within the dispensing pouch 10 may bestored and shipped with ease due to the stability of the materialtherein. The nozzle 16 is provided with a plurality of annular steps 18which cooperate with the outlet portion 12 of the pouch 10 to produce aheat sealed relationship to occur between the side walls 11 and nozzle16. The nozzle 16 is also provided with an outer threaded portion 20 toreceive the inner threaded portion of an annular retaining ring ofcollar 22 as illustrated in FIGS. 3, 4, and 5.

[0024] A tamper evident tear seal tab 24 is provided on the outermostend of the nozzle 16 to assure the user that the dispensing pouch 10 hasnot been opened.

[0025] A removable end cap 26 is provided that is preferablysubstantially in the shape of a truncated cone and closed at its top.End cap 26 preferably fits on nozzle 16 in a snap-fit relationship andis secured thereto by a plastic driving hinge 28. An internally threadedannular retaining ring 30 may be fit over end cap 26 and about nozzle16. By twisting the securing ring 22, the internal threads thereofcooperate with threads 20 on the nozzle 16. Such a configuration allowsfor the securing ring 22 to tightly and releasably secure end cap 26 inplace during storage and transport of the prefilled dispensing pouch asillustrated in FIG. 3.

[0026] With reference to FIG. 4, there is shown a decorator tip 30positioned on the nozzle 16. The tip 30 is fastened to the nozzle 16 bythe internally threaded collar 22. When an alternative tip is desired,the collar 22 is initially removed by unthreading the same. Oncecompletely loosened from the threads 20 of the nozzle 16, the collar 22is removed allowing removal and replacement of the tip 30.

[0027] When it is desired to reseal the dispensing pouch assembly, thetip 30 is removed, the cover 26 is snapped into a resealing position,and the collar 22 is secured on the threads 20 as illustrated in FIG. 5.

[0028]FIG. 6 discloses another alternative resealing structure.

[0029]FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate an alternative type dispensing pouch 10′which may be satisfactorily substituted for the pouch 10 illustrated inFIGS. 1 and 2. More specifically, the dispensing pouch 10′ is comprisedof first and second side walls 11′ which are substantially identicalwith one another. Each of the side walls 11′ includes a top end and arelatively narrow bottom end. The side walls 11′ are joined together,preferably along the marginal edges 14′, as illustrated in FIG. 7,preferably by heat sealing or other suitable means such as by stitchingor sewing or the like to form a flexible and collapsible container for aflowable confectionery, for example. In the dispensing pouch 10′,another panel 40 of flexible material has the marginal edges thereofjoined to the respective side panels 11′ along the respective marginaledges 14′ to form a flexible end of the completed pouch.

[0030] The flexible container or pouch 10′ is tapered and is of agenerally triangular shape with an outlet opening 12′. Preferably, thepouch 10′ is formed of a flexible sheet material such as a syntheticresin or plastic material impervious to the contents to be dispensed.

[0031] The dispensing pouch 10′ is typically provided with a nozzle ofthe same type and applied in the same manner as in the embodimentillustrated in the other illustrations. The structural differencebetween the embodiments enables the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 7and 8 to be supported in a stand-up position on the end containing thepanel 40.

[0032] Unlike prior art dispensing bags, the dispensing pouch of thepresent invention allows icing to be pre-colored and disposed in the bagbefore it reaches the retail baker or other user. For example, amanufacturer may distribute a virtually limitless array and variety ofcolored icing by using the dispensing pouch of the present invention. Byso doing, bakers or decorators would no longer be required to undertakethe time-consuming and costly task of buying large amounts of whiteicing in bulk, mixing the icing, filling, using, and cleaning reusablepastry bags, nozzles, etc. The dispensing pouch of the present inventionwill enable a user to purchase only the colors and amount of icingneeded.

[0033] In FIGS. 2, 3, and 4 of the invention, the tip 30 and the sealingcap 26 are shown as being secured to the nozzle 16 by an internallythreaded retainer ring 22. It will be appreciated that equally viablewould be structures wherein the tips or the sealing caps are providedwith self-contained threads negating the requirement for a separateattachment ring.

[0034] From the above description, it will be appreciated that thepresent invention may be utilized as a retail package for sale to andused by the homemaker, as well as the bakery department in a retailstore or a commercial bakery.

[0035] The foregoing description of the preferred embodiment has beenpresented for purposes of illustration and description. It is notintended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise formdisclosed. Obvious modifications or variations are possible in light ofthe above teachings. The embodiment was chosen and described in order tobest illustrate the principles of the present invention and itspractical application to thereby enable one of ordinary skill in the artto best utilize the invention and the various embodiments and withvarious modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.

[0036] In accordance with the provisions of the patent statutes, thepresent invention has been described in what is considered to representits preferred embodiment. However, it should be understood that theinvention can be practiced otherwise than as specifically illustratedand described without departing from its spirit or scope.

What is claimed is:
 1. A prefilled dispensing pouch comprising: aflexible and collapsible container, said container comprising first andsecond side walls, each of the side walls comprising a relatively widetop end, a relatively narrow bottom end, and first and second sides, thefirst and second side walls being joined together along correspondingtop ends, corresponding first sides and corresponding second sides;flowable contents disposed within said flexible and collapsiblecontainer; a nozzle having one end disposed between and joined togetherwith the narrow bottom ends of the side walls of said container so thatsaid flowable contents are disposed within said container in aleak-proof manner; a removable end cap disposed on the other end of saidnozzle; and a retaining ring disposed about said removable end cap.
 2. Aprefilled dispensing pouch as defined in claim 1 wherein said containeris tapered inwardly from the top end to the bottom end.
 3. A prefilleddispensing pouch as defined in claim 1 wherein said nozzle includesexternal threads.
 4. A prefilled dispensing pouch as defined in claim 3wherein said retaining ring includes a plurality of internal threadsadapted to receive the external threads of said nozzle to selectivelyretain said end cap on said nozzle.
 5. A prefilled dispensing pouch asdefined in claim 1 wherein said container includes a top panel ispositioned in fluid tight relation between the corresponding ends of theside walls of said container.